• Essential and Sanitary supplies in MH, Early Childhood, DDC classrooms. No longer do teachers have to purchase these essentials. See here .
• The Discovery School Application , along with FAQs is out. See here to see the memorandum co-authored by School Superintendent,  Dr. Carol Johnson, and BTU President, Richard Stutman. The explanation, includes an application, background information, and FAQs. Applications are due 10/31, and selected schools will be notified by 12/19.
  
• Class Size --Read the important notice below. Class size protection is arguably your most important benefit. The protections are good for our students, and good for you. See article immediately following this block.
• Discount T Passes through Payroll Deductions --Please see the below section on the Flexible Spending Plan , which allows savings on T Passes, as well as out-of-pocket medical and dependent care expenses. Approximately 500 members of our organization already participate in this money-saving plan. The sign-up window remains open through 11/21.
  

• TEC1702: Using Your Laptop in the Classroom: A Beginner's Workshop:  
• TEC2701: Using your Laptop Creatively to Bring Multimedia and Differentiated Instruction into Your Classroom:  
• TEC2702: Collaborative Tools for the Classroom:

1. Notify the BTU immediately by going to the BTU website and file your class-size violation, i.e. the particular class and the number of students that report to your class.
2. Record the duration for which your number of assigned class size exceeds the limit and keep the record in your possession.
3. Retain class lists and enrollment data that will assist us if we need to resolve disputes with Court Street over the actual number assigned to you.
4. Update the BTU of any pertinent changes in your class size as the year progresses.
5. Write in the "Comment" section whether you prefer to enforce the contract, receive a stipend/Para or wait for financial compensation.

• MEDICAL FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT (FSA)
• DEPENDENT CARE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT (FSA)
• TRANSPORTATION BENEFIT PLAN for certain parking and transportation (Mass Transit) expenses subject to the following limits:

TAA is a competitive local fellowship program that awards up to eight $5,000 fellowships each year to arts educators in Boston Public Schools (BPS). Through this program, outstanding arts educators explore individual artistic goals and dreams while connecting with new practices and resources in their disciplines. Our goal is to enhance the quality of arts education in the Boston Public Schools. There is an informational meeting for this program Tuesday October 21st 3-5p.m. at Roland Hayes School of Music

Each $5,000 award may be used for the cost of tuition, fees, room and board, travel, necessary materials or equipment, childcare, and other relevant expenses. Fellows' home schools receive a $1,500 award to support the Fellows' Post-Fellowship work and Fellows receive a scholarship to attend Boston Arts Academy's Summer Institute for Arts in Education.

Applicants for Teachers as Artists must be teachers at Middle or High School level (grades 6-12) in non-arts focused Boston Public Schools. Applicants must also have taught for a minimum of three years in BPS and be returning to their home schools the following school year. Both part- and full-time teachers are encouraged to apply .

Retired teacher Patricia Cummings Sullivan died last Saturday. She leaves two daughters who work in the school system. Mrs. Sullivan leaves many friends, colleagues, and family members to  mourn her passing. The BTU extends its most sincere condolences to all.